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Deer Park, WI

Hey Folks- As we are approaching the germination dates, this is a friendly reminder to check out my "advanced seed starting" article here in the "how to" section. I did a little exp. this week and found that Seeds germinated within 30 hours (100% germination) using this method, whereas normal seeds had not changed, did not germinate, or molded. This is a great method to use if your intitial selection of seeds fail to germinate, and you are in a bind for time. After some practice, I have become confident enough to use the method for germinating my intial seed selections. Check out more articles at my website, which can be found on the links page. Send me any feedback you may have if you try out the method. Happy Germinating!!

2/7/2002 11:22:28 AM

Edmonton, Canada

I have read the article, and it sounds great. My only question is, will it be easy to figure out which end of the seed is the top, and which is the bottom when I go to put it in the soil? The embryo will actaully grow into the sprout?

2/7/2002 11:44:02 AM

Edmonton, Canada

I've always started the seed directly in the ground, so I haven't got a clue!!!

2/8/2002 10:20:10 AM

Deer Park, WI

There is definately no mistaking which end is which- The root tip is always the first thing to grow. So long as the root tip is pointed down into the soil, nature will take care of the rest.

2/8/2002 1:19:30 PM

Utah

the root tip or bottom is the pointy end
the top in the round end

if you get confused ...you can alway just plant them
flat- that's what i do... not because i'm confused..
(well at leat with which end is which)
but because I like to for some reason...
i think it little plant do some work to reach
above ground ... which makes it a little stronger
than otherwise...
OK it doesn't make a difference!!! but i like to think
it does- so i plant them that way.

g1t

2/8/2002 1:40:49 PM

Edmonton, Canada

Thanks for the help guys!

2/8/2002 3:32:40 PM

Deer Park WA

g1t, interesting question, does one make it as easy as possible for the seed to germinate at the risk of weakening the plant for the trials of the season?

2/8/2002 10:30:24 PM

Puyallup, WA

Folks have posted here that it makes no difference whatever
way the seed is planted! Sideways....upside down....flat!
What ever makes you feel good!! Me??? I do it Geneva's and Joel's way....pointy end down....after the edges have been filed and the seed soaked in liquid kelp.

2/8/2002 11:45:09 PM

CT

I just wrapped 3 seeds in warm moist paper towel and put them next to the base board heater in a glass jar. All three germinated in 48-60 hours.
If you keep them warm and moist they will grow. I think filing the edges is a good idea to help the first leaves emerge cleanly.

2/9/2002 6:06:42 PM

Deer Park WA

Desnowskeer, We hope you are just "playun" untill around May 1 or so.... Nice batch of up N commings ready for 02....

2/10/2002 10:39:54 PM

Cooks Creek, Manitoba, Canada

I am experimenting with the advanced seed starting method using 6 seeds from the same plant. Three seeds were just left as is and three were opened up using the advanced method. All six were put into a wet paper towel and placed into a plastic bad. After 18 hours one of the "advanced seed" had germinated. I will post the final result after 48-60 hours has gone by.

2/11/2002 10:15:07 AM

Cooks Creek, Manitoba, Canada

After 60 hours here are the final results. All three of the "advanced seeds" have germinated - First at 18 hrs, second and third by 30 hours. Two of the "regular seeds" had germinated by 48 hrs and the third one has yet to germinate.

2/12/2002 8:53:04 AM

Edmonton, Canada

What type of seed were you using bez? Good info!

2/12/2002 9:13:12 AM

Puyallup, WA

thebez....did you files the edges of the three "regular" seeds?

2/12/2002 10:39:13 AM

Cooks Creek, Manitoba, Canada

I was using seed from my 514Bezte01. I didn't do anything to the "regular" seeds - I did alternate the advanced and regular seeds inside the paper towel to assure equal conditions for all seeds. In regards to the advanced method, I was not particularly careful when I took off the seed coats. It probably took me less than 5 minutes with a pocketknife. I am going to redo the experiment, taking it to the next level by transferring the seeds, once germinated, into soil and see how the growth is to the first true leaf stage.

2/13/2002 1:25:08 PM

Tacoma, WA

Great idea! It would also be helpful if you filed the edges on some of the "regular" seed. I would be interested in comparing the "filed" vs. the "non-filed" seeds.

Stan

2/13/2002 4:33:52 PM

CT

Yes I am just playing with seeds from last years fruit.
I am going to let them grow until they die in a 4 inch pot.

2/13/2002 11:15:23 PM

Deer Park WA

Desnow, what a horrible death for such a fine creation! I guess as long as it's for the "good of the whole" it's acceptable. Just save a few of those beauties to trade with me when they prove out!

2/14/2002 8:27:04 PM